Makeup palette with removable brush cleaner

ABSTRACT

A makeup palette case includes at least one replaceable applicator cleaner receptacle disposed within a makeup palette case. The replaceable applicator cleaner receptacle has an applicator-cleaning element received within the replaceable applicator cleaner receptacle and a makeup composition disposed within the makeup palette case. The replaceable applicator cleaner receptacle is reciprocal between a closed state and an open state. The applicator-cleaning element is isolated from the makeup composition when the replaceable applicator cleaner receptacle is in the closed state.

BACKGROUND

Makeup palettes provide consumers with a variety of different shades of makeup in one convenient package. Many palettes come with a single applicator that requires cleaning between applications of different shades to avoid cross-contamination between the colors.

The present disclosure relates to makeup palettes having at least one makeup composition. In some embodiments, the makeup palette further includes an applicator. In some embodiments, a user applies the makeup composition with a applicator not stored within the palette. The makeup palette further includes a cleaner assembly including an applicator cleaner that removes excess makeup from the applicator and is configured to isolate the cleaner from the within the makeup palette when the lid id closed.

In an embodiment, a makeup palette case includes at least one replaceable applicator cleaner receptacle disposed within a makeup palette case. The replaceable applicator cleaner receptacle includes an applicator-cleaning element received within the replaceable applicator cleaner receptacle and a makeup composition disposed within the makeup palette case. The replaceable applicator cleaner receptacle is reciprocal between a closed state and an open state and is isolated from the makeup composition when the replaceable applicator cleaner receptacle is in the closed state.

In any embodiment, the replaceable applicator cleaner receptacle includes a lid rotatably coupled to a base.

In any embodiment, the replaceable applicator cleaner receptacle includes a first locking feature, and the base includes a second locking element, wherein the first locking feature is configured to engage the second locking feature to releasably maintain the replaceable applicator cleaner receptacle in the closed state.

In any embodiment, the replaceable applicator cleaner receptacle is releasably secured to the case.

In any embodiment, the makeup palette case includes a first locking feature, and the replaceable applicator cleaner receptacle includes a second locking feature, the first locking feature being configured to engage the second locking feature to selectively couple the container to the makeup palette case.

In any embodiment, one of the first and second locking features is a flexible locking tab, and the other of the first and second locking feature is a protrusion or a recess.

In any embodiment, the first locking feature has a first engagement surface, and the second locking feature includes a second engagement surface, the first engagement surface engaging the second engagement surface to retain the replaceable applicator cleaner receptacle within the makeup palette case.

In any embodiment, the first locking feature is a flexible locking tab.

In any embodiment, the second locking feature is a flexible locking tab.

In any embodiment, the applicator-cleaning element comprises a sponge.

In any embodiment, the applicator-cleaning element comprises cleaning-composition free porous element.

In any embodiment, the replaceable applicator cleaner receptacle comprises a friction element including a textured surface for cleaning an applicator.

In any embodiment, the replaceable applicator cleaner receptacle comprises a friction element having a textured surface having one or more geometric patterns for cleaning a makeup applicator.

In any embodiment, the applicator-cleaning element comprises a reusable sponge.

In any embodiment, the applicator-cleaning element comprises a reusable porous sponge made from one or more abrasive textured materials.

This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This summary is not intended to identify key features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing aspects and many of the attendant advantages of this invention will become more readily appreciated as the same become better understood by reference to the following detailed description, when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 shows a top isometric view of an embodiment of a makeup palette according to aspects of the present disclosure, wherein the makeup palette is in a closed state;

FIG. 2 shows a top isometric view of the makeup palette of FIG. 1 in an open state;

FIG. 3 shows a partially exploded top isometric view of the makeup palette of FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 4 shows a top a partially exploded top isometric view of a base and an applicator cleaner receptacle of the makeup palette of FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 5 shows a top a partially exploded top isometric view thereof;

FIG. 6 shows a partially exploded top isometric view of the makeup palette of FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 7 shows a cross-sectional view of the makeup palette as indicated in FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 8 shows a cross-sectional view of the makeup palette as indicated in FIG. 2 ;

FIG. 9 shows an enlarged partial view of the makeup palette as indicated in FIG. 8 ; and

FIG. 10 shows another embodiment of the applicator cleaner receptacle shown in FIG. 4 .

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIGS. 1 and 2 shown an illustration of an embodiment of a makeup palette 100 in a closed state and an open state, respectively. In an embodiment, the makeup palette 100 includes a case 110 that can be used to contain makeup 156, such as a pressed powder cake used for blush, eye shadow, and the like. In an embodiment, the pressed powder cake is provided in a removable tray that permits the user to change the tray in order to replace the tray with a different formulation or to replace an empty tray with a full tray. A plurality of trays, each with a different formulation, can be made available to the user such that the user can select which tray and formulation to place within the makeup palette 100. In an embodiment, the formulation can include pressed powder cakes; however, in other embodiments, the formulation can include salves, gels, ointments, creams, lotions, and the like. In an embodiment, the case 110 also contains an applicator 192 for applying the makeup.

In an embodiment, the overall shape of the case 110 is square or rectangular. In an embodiment, the front, back, right side, and left side views of the case 110 are rectangular. However, the case 110 can be made using other shapes including, rectangular, circular, oval shapes, or combinations. In order words, the case 110 and the interior parts can be constructed such that a top and bottom plan view is rectangular, circular, or oval, and side views of the case 110 in which the side view is rectangular, circular, or oval.

FIG. 3 illustrates individual parts used in an embodiment of the makeup palette 100. In an embodiment, the makeup palette 100 includes a case 110 with a lid 120 and a base 130, an applicator 192, and an applicator cleaner receptacle 170.

In an embodiment, the lid 120 has includes a cover 122 with a solid flat top with a shallow rim extending below and around the edge of the top. In an embodiment, the lid 120 includes a mirror 126 mounted to one side of the top so that the mirror is disposed within the case 110 when the case is in a closed state.

In an embodiment, the base 130 includes a bottom 132 with a flat lower side. The bottom 132 is coupled to a frame 134 that has a flat upper side surrounding one or more openings. In an embodiment, the bottom 132 and the frame 134 cooperate to define one or more apertures and/or recesses that provide storage for and access to various components of the makeup palette 100. In an embodiment, one or more pans 154 filled with one or more types of makeup 156 fixedly associated with the frame 134. In an embodiment, a recess 142 in the frame 134 is sized and configured to receive an applicator 192 for storage within the case 110. In an embodiment, the frame 134 includes an aperture 144 sized and configured to receive an applicator cleaner receptacle 170.

Referring back to FIGS. 1 and 2 , in an embodiment, the lid 120 is rotatably coupled to the base 130 about and axis 114 by a hinge 112. The lid 120 is rotatable about axis 114 to reciprocate the case 110 from the closed state in FIG. 1 to the open state in FIG. 2 . When the case 110 is in the closed state, the lid 120 is releasably secured to the base 130 by a latch 116. In an embodiment, the latch 116 includes a first latch portion 124 that is associated with the lid 120 and selectively engages a second latch portion 136 associated with the base 130. When the case 110 is in the closed state and the lid 120 is secured to the base 130, the latch 116 maintains the case 110 in the closed state until unlatched by a user.

Referring again to FIG. 3 , the frame 134 is configured to support one or more pans 154 filled with makeup 156. When the lid 120 is open, the makeup 156 in the pans 154 is accessible to a user. In some embodiments, the pans 154 are not replaceable. In some embodiments, the pans 154 are replaceable so that a user can replace an empty pan 154 or switch a pan with one type of makeup 156 for another.

In an embodiment, the lid 120 is selectively removable from the base 130. In an embodiment, the lid is selectively secured to the base by interference fit, snaps, clips, hoop and loop fasteners, or any other suitable fastening means. In an embodiment, the lid 120 is slidingly associated with the base 130 to selectively open and close the case 110.

It will be appreciated that the applicator cleaner receptacle 170 can be used in conjunction with any number of suitable makeup palettes and/or packaging configurations. In this regard, the size, shape, materials, textures, features, and contents of the palette can vary, and such variations should be considered within the scope of the present disclosure.

In an embodiment, the user applies makeup 156 using the applicator 192 stored within the case 110 or a similar applicator. In an embodiment, the applicator 192 includes an elongate handle 194 with an applicator head 196 disposed at a first end thereof. In an embodiment, a second applicator head 198 is disposed on a second end of the handle 194 opposite the first applicator head. In an embodiment, one or both applicator heads is formed from a plurality of natural or synthetic fibers, i.e., a brush, a sponge, or any other suitable material. In an embodiment, the applicator 192 has any suitable combination of different sizes, shapes, and material compositions of the heads in any suitable combination. In an embodiment, the applicator 192 is stored within the case 110 or separate from the case.

Referring now to FIGS. 3-9 , the makeup palette 100 includes applicator cleaner receptacle 170 positioned within the case 110. As best shown in FIG. 6 , an embodiment of the applicator cleaner receptacle 170 includes base 172 with a lid 180 rotatably coupled thereto about an axis 186 by a hinge 184. The lid is rotatable to reciprocate that applicator cleaner receptacle 170 between an open state, shown in FIG. 6 , and a closed state, shown, for example, in FIG. 4 . The base 172 and lid 180 include latch portions 178 and 182, respectively, that form a latch 188 that releasably couples the lid to the base when the applicator cleaner receptacle 170 is in the closed state. In an embodiment, the base 172 and the lid 180 cooperate to form a rectangular container. In an embodiment, the container is circular, ovate, square, or any other suitable shape. In an embodiment, the base 172 and the lid 180 are not hingedly coupled. In an embodiment, the base 172 and the lid 180 are releasably coupled by interference fit, snaps, over-center latches, hook and latch fasteners, or any other suitable coupling device.

In an embodiment, the applicator cleaner receptacle 170 includes an applicator-cleaning element 190 disposed in the base 172. In an embodiment, the applicator-cleaning element 190 is porous material, such as a sponge, that removes makeup from an applicator head when the applicator head is brushed across the cleaning medium. In an embodiment, the applicator-cleaning element 190 is any suitable material to remove makeup from an applicator head.

The base 172 of the applicator cleaner receptacle 170 includes a plurality of locking features 174 to releasably secure the applicator cleaner to the base 130 of the case 110. In an embodiment, a plurality of locking features 174 positioned around the perimeter of the base 172. Each locking feature 174 of the base 172 of the applicator cleaner receptacle 170 correspond to a locking feature 146 formed in the base 130 of the case 110.

As best shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 , in an embodiment, the locking features 174 on the applicator cleaner receptacle 170 are protrusions extending outward from the sides of the base 130. In an embodiment, the locking features 146 on the base 130 of the case 110 are flexible locking tabs, each locking tab corresponding to a protrusion on the applicator cleaner receptacle 170.

The locking tabs are configured so that when the applicator cleaner receptacle 170 is inserted into the aperture 144, the locking tabs are deflected outward by contact with the protrusions on the base 130 of the applicator cleaner. Referring now to FIGS. 8 and 9 , when the applicator cleaner receptacle 170 is fully inserted into the base 130, the locking tabs return to an undeflected or less deflected state. In this state, an engagement surface 148 on the locking feature 146 (locking tab) engages an engagement surface 176 (protrusion) on the applicator cleaner receptacle 170 to secure the applicator cleaner within the case 110. In some embodiments, the engagement surface 176 is a recess that receives a portion of the locking feature 146 to secure the applicator cleaner receptacle 170 within the case.

To remove the applicator cleaner receptacle 170, a user pulls on the applicator cleaner with enough force to deflect the locking tabs 146 so that the engagement surfaces 176 of the applicator cleaner disengage from the engagement surface 148 of the base 130, and the applicator cleaner can be removed. In an embodiment, the user applies a twisting motion to the applicator cleaner to disengage the locking features 146 and 174.

In some embodiments, the case 110 includes an aperture located proximate to the applicator cleaner receptacle 170 that allows a user to push the applicator cleaner receptacle 170 out of the case by inserting a finger, a coin, or any suitable tool through the hole against the applicator cleaner receptacle. In some embodiments, a user removes the applicator cleaner receptacle 170 by pulling on the lid of the applicator cleaner receptacle. In some embodiments, a ribbon extends under the applicator cleaner receptacle 170, allowing a user to release the applicator cleaner receptacle by pulling upward on the ribbon. These and other methods and configurations of removing the applicator cleaner receptacle 170 form the case 110 are contemplated and should be considered within the scope of the present disclosure.

FIG. 10 shows another embodiment of an applicator cleaner receptacle 270 according to aspects of the present disclosure. The applicator cleaner receptacle 270 is similar to the previously described applicator cleaner receptacle 170, shown in FIGS. 2-9 . For the sake of brevity, the applicator cleaner receptacle 270 will be described with the understanding that unless otherwise noted, features of the applicator cleaner receptacle 270 indicated with a reference number 2XX are similar to corresponding features of the previously described applicator cleaner receptacle 170, which are indicated with a reference number 1XX.

The applicator cleaner receptacle 270 shown in FIG. 10 includes friction element 292 having a textured surface for cleaning an applicator. In some embodiments, the friction element 292 is integrally formed one or more components of the applicator cleaner receptacle 270, such as the base 172 or an interior surface of the lid 180. In some embodiments, the friction element 292 is formed on a surface of an insert positioned within the base 272 adjacent to the applicator-cleaning element 290. In some embodiments, the friction element 292 has a textured surface having one or more geometric patterns for cleaning an applicator.

Embodiments of the disclosed makeup palette provide a system for cleaning an applicator without contaminating other components within the palette. After the applicator cleaner is used to remove makeup from the applicator, the container is closed, thereby isolating the cleaning medium and the removed makeup from the interior of the palette. The applicator cleaner can be removed to replace the cleaning medium and/or empty excess makeup from the container. In some embodiments the applicator cleaner is replaced with a new applicator cleaner. In some embodiments, the applicator cleaner is returned to the palette after being emptied and/or having a new or replacement cleaning medium being inserted therein.

The detailed description set forth above in connection with the appended drawings, where like numerals reference like elements, are intended as a description of various embodiments of the present disclosure and are not intended to represent the only embodiments. Each embodiment described in this disclosure is provided merely as an example or illustration and should not be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments. The illustrative examples provided herein are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure to the precise forms disclosed. Similarly, any steps described herein may be interchangeable with other steps, or combinations of steps, in order to achieve the same or substantially similar result.

In the foregoing description, specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to one skilled in the art, however, that the embodiments disclosed herein may be practiced without embodying all of the specific details. In some instances, well-known process steps have not been described in detail in order not to unnecessarily obscure various aspects of the present disclosure. Further, it will be appreciated that embodiments of the present disclosure may employ any combination of features described herein.

The present application may include references to directions, such as “forward,” “rearward,” “front,” “back,” “upward,” “downward,” “right hand,” “left hand,” “lateral,” “medial,” “in,” “out,” “extended,” “advanced,” “retracted,” “proximal,” “distal,” “central,” etc. These references, and other similar references in the present application, are only to assist in helping describe and understand the particular embodiment and are not intended to limit the present disclosure to these directions or locations.

The present application may reference quantities and numbers. Unless specifically stated, such quantities and numbers are not to be considered restrictive, but exemplary of the possible quantities or numbers associated with the present application. Also in this regard, the present application may use the term “plurality” to reference a quantity or number. In this regard, the term “plurality” is meant to be any number that is more than one, for example, two, three, four, five, etc. The terms “about,” “approximately,” “near,” etc., mean plus or minus 5% of the stated value. For the purposes of the present disclosure, the phrase “at least one of A and B” is equivalent to “A and/or B” or vice versa, namely “A” alone, “B” alone or “A and B.”. Similarly, the phrase “at least one of A, B, and C,” for example, means (A), (B), (C), (A and B), (A and C), (B and C), or (A, B, and C), including all further possible permutations when greater than three elements are listed.

The principles, representative embodiments, and modes of operation of the present disclosure have been described in the foregoing description. However, aspects of the present disclosure, which are intended to be protected, are not to be construed as limited to the particular embodiments disclosed. Further, the embodiments described herein are to be regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive. It will be appreciated that variations and changes may be made by others, and equivalents employed, without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure. Accordingly, it is expressly intended that all such variations, changes, and equivalents fall within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as claimed.

While illustrative embodiments have been illustrated and described, it will be appreciated that various changes can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. 

The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property or privilege is claimed are defined as follows:
 1. A makeup palette case, comprising: at least one replaceable applicator cleaner receptacle disposed within a makeup palette case, the replaceable applicator cleaner receptacle including an applicator-cleaning element received within the replaceable applicator cleaner receptacle; and a makeup composition disposed within the makeup palette case; wherein the replaceable applicator cleaner receptacle is reciprocal between a closed state and an open state, the applicator-cleaning element being isolated from the makeup composition when the replaceable applicator cleaner receptacle is in the closed state.
 2. The makeup palette case of claim 2, wherein the replaceable applicator cleaner receptacle includes a lid rotatably coupled to a base.
 3. The makeup palette case of claim 3, wherein the replaceable applicator cleaner receptacle includes a first locking feature, and the base includes a second locking element, wherein the first locking feature is configured to engage the second locking feature to releasably maintain the replaceable applicator cleaner receptacle in the closed state.
 4. The makeup palette case of claim 1, wherein the replaceable applicator cleaner receptacle is releasably secured to the case.
 5. The makeup palette case of claim 4, wherein the makeup palette case includes a first locking feature, and the replaceable applicator cleaner receptacle includes a second locking feature, the first locking feature being configured to engage the second locking feature to selectively couple the container to the makeup palette case.
 6. The makeup palette case of claim 1, wherein one of the first and second locking features is a flexible locking tab, and the other of the first and second locking feature is a protrusion or a recess.
 7. The makeup palette case of claim 6, wherein the first locking feature has a first engagement surface, and the second locking feature includes a second engagement surface, the first engagement surface engaging the second engagement surface to retain the replaceable applicator cleaner receptacle within the makeup palette case.
 8. The makeup palette of case claim 6, wherein the first locking feature is a flexible locking tab.
 9. The makeup palette of case claim 6, wherein the second locking feature is a flexible locking tab.
 10. The makeup palette of case claim 1, wherein the applicator-cleaning element comprises a sponge.
 11. The makeup palette of case claim 1, wherein the applicator-cleaning element comprises cleaning-composition free porous element.
 12. The makeup palette of case claim 1, wherein the replaceable applicator cleaner receptacle comprises a friction element including a textured surface for cleaning an applicator.
 13. The makeup palette of case claim 1, wherein the replaceable applicator cleaner receptacle comprises a friction element having a textured surface having one or more geometric patterns for cleaning a makeup applicator.
 14. The makeup palette of case claim 1, wherein the applicator-cleaning element comprises a reusable sponge.
 15. The makeup palette of case claim 1, wherein the applicator-cleaning element comprises a reusable porous sponge made from one or more abrasive textured materials. 